Kellogg's Limited Edition Mini Wheats - Pumpkin Spice

With fall upon us it brings all things pumpkin. In true pumpkin lover fashion, this year I decided to pick up a box of the Kellogg's Limited Edition Mini Wheats - Pumpkin Spice. Admittedly, frosted mini wheats are not my favorite cereal but this pumpkin rendition isn't half bad.

Opening the box you're awarded with a classic pumpkin spice aroma. It's nothing artificial but a classic pumpkin spice (think of pumpkin spice seasoning in a jar). The cereal is your classic frosted shredded mini wheat, but instead of the frosting being the signature "vanilla" frosting it's a pumpkin spice-esque flavored frosting. Admittedly, it's not really strong ... to my taste buds, the shredded wheat flavor sort of overpowers the pumpkin flavor. But if you really pay attention, you can find the pumpkin spice flavor because it's undoubtedly there.

It's not a sweet pumpkin spice, it's not overly sugary, processed ... it's your classic pumpkin spice flavoring over a shredded wheat biscuit that provides a touch of sweetness. If you're one who likes overly sweet pumpkin flavored desserts - this probably wouldn't be your forte. But if you enjoy a pumpkin flavored dessert that's not overwhelming in sweetness or spice, this might be very well up your alley.

Personally, I prefer having these dry without any milk. I also prefer to eat these frosting side down so I can taste the pumpkin flavor immediately without searching for it through the clump of shredded wheat.

A serving, 25 biscuits (55g), is 190 calories or 5 points plus values.

Weight Watchers Oat Clusters with Cherries and Almonds

When I heard that Weight Watchers was coming out with their own brand of breakfast cereal ... I was quite intrigued. I enjoy cereal on an occasion, but I also enjoy it as a little added crunch/treat to go alongside my Greek yogurt (little parfait action!). I had not seen them in stores anywhere ... until one day I passed through a local Hannaford grocery store and found a shelf full.

 

Scanning the available options, I decided to go with the Weight Watchers Oat Clusters with Cherries and Almonds. The cereal reminded me of a Honey Bunches of Oats but with cherries in the mix. Upon opening it and trying it ... my initial thought was correct. The cereal itself is good. Flakes of cereal, with sliced almond pieces and chunks of dried cherries throughout it. It's quite delicious - it provides a crunch, chewiness (from the cherries) and sweetness.

 

I will say, it wasn't entirely satisfying. It's your average cereal, packaged in a Weight Watchers carton. It's good, but there isn't a whole lot to it to make it a perfect breakfast. It's good over yogurt for some added crunch. But I found that at times it turned into a "trigger food" due to the sweetness of it.

 

A serving, 3/4 cup, is 120 calories or 3 points plus values.

Trader Joe's Pumpkin O's

With the Fall season, Trader Joe's 'unleashes' their pumpkin flavored goodies Some of which are so delicious they should truly be incorporated into their everyday items. One of these products is the Trader Joe's Pumpkin O's. When I first picked up the box I wasn't sure if it was going to be true slam dunk pumpkin flavor ... but these are everything one wold imagine.

For comparison purposes I'll say they are a pumpkin version of Honey Nut Cheerios. The cereal itself has a classic wheat cereal flavor, but it's not overwhelming. The pumpkin flavor is at the forefront and it's clearly evident you're having a pumpkin cereal. It's not a dish that's so lightly flavored you have to "search" for the main flavor. The cereal also has a light sugar coating to it which gives it only a hint of sweetness.

Overall I find this to be one of the best pumpkin breakfast items I have tried. Even those who have tried some have all agreed that it's quite delicious (and even more delicious than one would assume). The only downside is ... it's seasonal and once it's gone, it's gone (until next season).

A 1 cup serving is 110 calories or 3 points plus values.

Apple Cinnamon Chex

Chex have been on the market for the longest time, but I never truly purchased the cereal to eat until I noticed and purchased the Chex Vanilla. That cereal has since become a favorite but after finishing the box I decided to branch out and perhaps try a few different flavors. The flavor I opted to give a go was the Apple Cinnamon Chex.

According to the box, the cereal is sprinkled with real apple and cinnamon and for those who have a gluten intolerance the cereal is gluten free. You can definitely taste the apple cinnamon flavoring … which really reminds me of apple cinnamon instant oatmeal. Weird comparison, but it’s truly what it reminded me of after the first bite.  If you generally enjoy an apple cinnamon flavor, you’d more than likely enjoy this. It’s not a bad cereal, it’s flavored well, but it’s not one of my favorites. That is perhaps due to my comparison to the deliciousness that is Vanilla Chex.

A serving is ¾ cup which is 130 calories or 3 points plus values.

Boo Berry Cereal

One of my favorite parts of October, outside of Halloween and dressing up is picking up one of my favorite Halloween breakfast items- Boo Berry Cereal! From what I understand this is available year round at some stores, but for the most part in my area (at least from what I’ve seen) this is only available from September through November.

Boo Berry cereal is similar to Lucky Charms being there are marshmallow bits throughout the cereal. The cereal itself is blueberry flavored. Like most flavored cereals, this changes the milk to a lovely blue hue and sweetens it up as well.  I don’t typically eat sweeter cereals for breakfast, but this is an exception to the rule every year.

A serving of cereal is 1 cup – but typically I find a ¾ cup cereal is more than enough, especially if I am going to be pairing the cereal with milk and a piece of fresh fruit.  A 1 cup serving is 130 calories or 4 points plus values.  A ¾ cup serving is only 3 points plus values. It’s definitely worth it for a once yearly treat.

QUESTION:

Do you have a favorite Halloween themed cereal?

Trader Joe’s Country Pumpkin Spice Granola Cereal

Fall brings out all the pumpkin and fall goodies at Trader Joe’s.  This meant, I was super excited to pick up a box of Trader Joe’s Country Pumpkin Spice Granola Cereal. I did not have a chance to give this a try last year and since I have a pumpkin fascination/obsession I wanted to give it a go.

I’m a big granola fan – but I truthfully don’t eat it very often at all. This has been the first box of granola I have purchased in over 3 years … and I have to say, it was well worth the wait.  I first described this granola as what you would get if plain old granola and pumpkin pie had a baby. It’s that classic crunchy granola texture mixed with chewy raisins with a very noticeable pumpkin spice flavor mixed throughout. It’s delicious, flavorful and mixes well with yogurts and assorted fruits.  I’ve had this pumpkin spice granola over pumpkin flavored yogurt, while I’ve also had it with coconut vanilla yogurt mixed with fresh blueberries, strawberries and granola on top of it.  It adapts well to the flavors it’s mixed with while it also holds up to its crunchy texture.  I have been such a fan I have incorporated this into my breakfast/snacks daily.

A serving is 2/3 cup which is 240 calories, or 6 points plus values.  Although I find a 1/3 cup serving is more than enough to accompany a serving of yogurt. A 1/3 cup serving calculates out to be 3 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you ever tried Trader Joe’s pumpkin spice granola?

Kellogg’s Cinnabon Cereal

I picked up a box of Kellogg’s Cinnabon Cereal because it was on sale and also because frankly it looked delicious. I tend to get bored with cereals after a while and this was a way to spruce things up.  There is a little Cinnabon stand in my local mall, which provides enticing cinnamon bun scents throughout my malls food court. I love Cinnabon treats but I’m not necessarily a fan of the ridiculous amount of fat and calories in them.

The cereal is made up of a crunchy yet airy cinnamon multigrain cereal. It has that classic Cinnabon cinnamon flavor, which makes it equally delicious.  What’s great about the cereal is a serving is 1 cup, which is a larger serving when in comparison to other cereals on the market.  I also didn’t find this to really get soggy while I ate it, the cereal for the most part kept up to its crunchiness. I have enjoyed this both with milk, while also on its own.

A 1 cup serving is 120 calories, which is equal to 3 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you tried Cinnabon cereal?

Barbara’s Peanut Butter Puffins

Puffins cereal, a favorite for many, but a cereal I have seen time and time again but had yet to try … until recently.  After checking the nutrition information I decided to pick up a box of Peanut Butter Puffins. Puffins are a gluten free cereal, which are made of corn, multigrains or honey-flavored rice.  There are a number of different flavor varieties (original, cinnamon, fruit medley, peanut butter and chocolate, etc.) provided by Barbara’s to really satisfy anybody’s “cereal tooth”.

Upon opening the box of Puffins I was initially surprised at how large the cereal pieces are. They reminded me of a shredded wheat (in size only) but puffier, which then made me think of a Captain Crunch cereal but only enlarged.  I tried one piece before adding it into my bowl and I was sold. They are crunchy, but airy, peanut buttery but not overwhelming and are slightly sweet.  They are good on their own, paired with fresh fruit or even (if you’re adventurous) paired with a bit of another cereal.  I’ve found the cereal is perfect, even when I eat it slower, because it doesn’t get soggy as fast as other cereals tend to.

A serving is ¾ cup, which is pretty staple in the cereal world, 110 calories, or in Weight Watchers terms 3 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any Puffins cereal?

Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Cereal

I spotted this new Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme Cereal at Target but refrained from purchasing because I had a few boxes of cereal at home to eat up.  Well, since I was in the midst of my cereal kick I ended up finishing off a box so I picked up this as a new flavor cereal.  I anticipated that this cereal would be phenomenal.  I mean cookies and cream? One of my favorite ice cream flavors ever in cereal form? No doubt it had to be amazing…

I opened the box, measured out my ¾ cup serving and ate it with some almond milk and I have to say … I was disappointed. It didn’t measure up to what I thought it would taste like.  It reminded me of a subdued cocoa puff with another flavor mixed in the background.  You can’t quite taste the “creme” but the chocolate is really mild and a little boring.  It’s not a sweet cereal to say the least.  The flavor combination kind of threw my taste buds for a loop.  This is a cereal I’d eat once in a while, but it’s not a cereal that’ll be my staple … nor will it be a cereal that I’d purchase again.

A ¾ cup serving is 3 points plus values.

QUESTION:

Have you tried any new interesting cereals lately?

Quaker Puffed Wheat Cereal

I stumbled upon Quaker Puffed Wheat cereal a few years ago and since that first introduction, it’s been a rather staple box of cereal in my cabinet.  I’m not going to lie and say it’s the most scrumptious cereal I’ve ever eaten.  It’s not. It’s plain and well, a little boring.  Okay, so you’re probably wondering if it’s plain and boring why do you eat it?  Well, I use it as a filler in my cereals because you can get 1 ¼ cups of cereal for only 1 points plus value!

Pre-Weight Watchers days I never knew what a nutrition label was (okay, I did but I never acknowledged they existed), better yet I never knew what a serving size of cereal was.  I was simple a get a gigantic bowl, dump until almost full and then fill with milk kind of girl.  Cereal is one of those foods that psychologically the more the better – maybe because the more you have the sweeter the milk gets? No idea.

I admit when I have cereal and I pour ¾ cup into a bowl, I give it a little face.  It’s really not a whole lot.  To boost it up I typically add in strawberries and banana which give it more body and is pleasing on the eye.

Sometimes I want more cereal in my bowl than just that ¾ cup.  So this is what I do … I cut up my strawberries and banana, pour in my 1 ¼ cup Puffed Wheat.  Depending on the other cereal I am using I may or mot not sprinkle an Equal packet over the top of the puffed wheat.  I then add in a serving size of whatever cereal of my choice and typically 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk.  I’ve used Kix, Berry Kix, Vanilla Chex, Chocolate Fiber One, Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, etc.  When mixed with another cereal and fruit, the Puffed Wheat cereal takes on the flavor of the other mixtures and it’s just delicious.

I literally get this BIG honking bowl of cereal for only 5 points plus values.  I am a volume eater and aesthetically it’s pleasing, while it’s also delicious and filling in my stomach.

QUESTION:

Have you tried Quaker Puffed Wheat cereal?

Vanilla Chex

I go through phases with cereals where I eat cereal for weeks straight and then I abandon them for a while until the cycle returns.  Needless to say, I’ve been on a cereal kick, so the new cereal I wanted to try was a new release from Chex.  Vanilla Chex found their way into my shopping cart and I have to say, I’m really glad they did.

One of the great things is the cereal is packed with flavor in every bite AND it’s gluten free (for those gluten resistant folks).  The cereal is vanilla flavored, but it reminds me of vanilla frosted cake.  It’s great as a sweet snack on its own, or in a bowl with milk and fruit for breakfast.  I do find when eating with strawberries and banana with almond milk, it brings down the sweetness of the cereal and mutes the “vanilla cake” flavoring a bit.  It’s a very light and crispy cereal.  A ¾ cup serving is 3 points plus values.

There are a few other flavors available – the original Rice Chex, Chocolate Chex, Cinnamon Chex and Apple Cinnamon Chex.  I may have to dabble into some of the other flavors at some point.  Apple Cinnamon perhaps!

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the new flavored Chex cereals?

Special K – Protein Cereal

I was looking to boost up my protein intake and after looking a few things up online I stumbled upon an article about Special K’s brand of cereal that is very high in protein.  I looked up the product and put it on my shopping list.  I had a hard time finding it at the store at first and then spotted it on the very bottom shelf and it was the last box left.  I calculated the points plus values (3 for a ¾ cup serving) and into the cart it went.

The greatest part of this cereal is the fact that it offers 10 grams of protein in a single ¾ cup serving.  I try to have protein with every meal and I find this cereal completely satisfies me and keeps me full.  Typically cereals satisfy my hunger for a couple hours and then I’m immediately starving.  Adding some fruit to the cereal definitely bulks it up and makes it a very satisfying and filling breakfast.

The flavor of the cereal reminds me of a cross between Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes. They’re not sweet but there is a hint of sweetness to it (if that makes sense).  They’re crunchy but it’s softer than Frosted Flakes would be because this cereal is made from wheat.  I would suggest waiting to put your milk on it right before you begin to eat it because your cereal will sog out on you quickly (within 10 minutes at least).

I do quite enjoy this cereal and will definitely pick up another box once I finish this one.

QUESTION:

What is your favorite high protein/fiber cereal?

Breakfast: Special K Protein Cereal w/ Very Cherry Berry Blend, Banana and Almond Milk

I made this for my breakfast the other day because I’ve been needing to incorporate some more protein into my diet since I had a surgical procedure and my appetite has been hit or miss.  I did a little researching online and found out Special K sells a protein cereal which offers 10 grams of protein in a ¾ cup serving of cereal.

Now the cereal flavor itself – it reminds me of normal Special K but with a slight sweetness linked into the cereal. Not a very sweet, sweet, but very subtle. It’s a quite tasty cereal.  Since I was hungry in the morning I doubled up the serving and ate it with a small handful of Trader Joe’s Very Cherry Berry Blend, a sliced banana and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk.

The whole bowl was 7 points plus – but if you were to have a single serving of cereal (3/4c) it s 3 points plus.  It’s definitely a great cereal to have on hand for those mornings (or even nights) where you’re hungry, looking for something lower in points and something that is pretty packed with protein.

QUESTION:

Have you tried you tried the Special K Protein cereal?

Breakfast: Chocolate Fiber One w/ Fresh Fruit & Almond Milk

This is what I had for breakfast this morning.  I used to be a big lover of Fiber One cereal (the regular kind) until I started eating too much of it.  I saw this at the store and decided to pick it up because 1) it was chocolate and 2) it’s fiber filled cereal.  I have issues with cereals sometimes, especially when they’re not filling because a few hours after eating I find my blood sugar takes a nose dive and I’m left feeling dizzy.  I tend to eat protein packed meals and that helps keep my levels stabilized and also keeps my hunger at bay.  Anyway!

I had ¾ cup of Chocolate Fiber One, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, 4 sliced strawberries and a small sliced banana.  It was totally delicious and only 3 Weight Watchers Points for the whole bowl.  A great, filling, healthy breakfast!

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Fiber One cereals?

Reese’s Puffs Muffins!

Who knew the words Reese’s Puffs, Muffins and Healthy could be combined into one sentence and it not just be a jumbled up string of words?!  This creation is certainly something that I found to be absolutely mouth watering and a must buy in the very near future (once I start using up some of my baking mixes, etc.).

Around the middle of last year, Betty Crocker came out with a few muffin mixes geared to resemble classic cereals that are out in the market.  One of them was Reese’s Puffs – the other two are Cinnamon Toast Crunch and Cocoa Puffs.  The moment I laid eyes on the Reese’s Puffs muffin mix I immediately had to purchase it.  I will say I had a tough time at first finding these because my local super market did not carry them – I found them eventually at Target and another higher priced grocery store in my area.

Now I am a complete sucker for anything adjoined to the Reese’s brand.  I LOVE Reese cups, pieces, Reese bar mixes, etc.  That peanut butter, chocolate mixture is just a gold mine for me.

For these I made them per the box direction – adding the mixture to a mixing bowl – although instead of using the eggs and oil the mixture called for I simply replaced all that with soda water. 1 ½ cups of soda water to be exact.  I then divided the mixture out evenly into 12 cupcake tins (sprayed with Pam) and topped evenly with the “streusel” topping.

They baked up perfectly and were so delicious.  The cake had a definitive chocolate/peanut butter taste and they were just so yummy!  Not overly spongey as some “healthier alternative” cakes can get.

Points Plus wise it wasn’t bad at all – 3 Points Plus for a muffin.  Quite a delicious and unique snack!

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Betty Crocker cereal brand muffins?

Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut – Golden Honey Nut Cereal

I received a box of Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut Golden Honey Nut cereal from BzzAgent to review.  I admit I was intrigued because I go through phases with cereals – there are staples that I always buy once the box is emptied and then there are other times where I am looking for something new to jazz up my cereal bowl (or even my yogurt cup).  I admit I do not eat cereal all the time, but I enjoy having it as a back-up or even having phases where cereal is a meal for a week or two.

I admit when I saw the name “Crunchy Nut” and “Golden Honey Nut” I instantly thought – unhealthy.  I chalked it up to possibly being a sugar ridden cereal that was going to be more calories than necessary.  I admit when I saw the caloric states I was quite surprised.  120 calories for a ¾ cup serving?  Not bad at all!  I converted the stats into Weight Watchers Points Plus values and it was 3 PPV’s per serving.  Certainly not bad!  One of my staple cereals is higher in calories and WW PPV’s than that.

I’ve eaten the cereal by itself (with no milk) and I’ve also enjoyed it with almond milk and a sliced banana.  Both ways are equally delicious.  Without milk it’ll give you that subtle sweet-crunchy that you may be looking for.  With milk it kind of reminds me of a less sweet frosted flakes that are crunchier and that don’t sog out so quickly.

I find eating this with a banana and almond milk it is decently filling.  I can eat it for breakfast (or as another meal during the day) and I’m not poking around the kitchen seeing what else there may be to eat.

Overall I can say I’ve really been enjoying this cereal and have been eating it at least once a day since receiving.  Two thumbs up, Kelloggs!

QUESTION:

Have you tried any of the Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut cereals?

Cravebox: Coffee Lovers (Limited Edition)

As some of you are aware, I am a member of Cravebox – which is a subscription service that provides food based and beauty/health related items to their members.  It’s geared towards being a monthly subscription – but boxes do not come monthly.  Lately, they’ve been gearing more towards limited edition special boxes for members to request to be included in the drawing for the particular boxes that are available.  I received an e-mail about a Coffee Lovers box and I immediately added myself into the drawing since I am a complete coffee fanatic.

I received my box on Friday, opened it and I have to say … I’m a little bummed.  The box, in my opinion, could have been a whole lot more spectacular, especially for the $12 paid for the box.  I will use the products I received and I am happy I got sugar-free syrup since I have a French vanilla in the cabinet that I’m using up.  The coffee is also a repeat of the Cooking Light box I received last month as well as the syrup (except this one is in a new flavor).  I feel as though when I need coffee I’m a deal seeker by heart and I’d get me some coffee for $12 – not just a bag, cookies and a syrup LOL.  So, yeah, not 100% thrilled this time around – sadly.  End tirade.

Here’s what I received in my box:

-          Tully’s French Roast Coffee

-          Torani Sugar Free French Vanilla syrup

-          Barbara’s Bakery High-Fiber Cranberry Medley

-          Biscotti Brothers Almond Biscotti

-          Biscotti Brothers Cranberry Blueberry Almond and Oats Granotti

QUESTION:

Have you ever heard of Cravebox?

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